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The Ravens would have welcomed him back at age 35, and Profootballtalk reports "there's a feeling he could return later in the offseason." Williams' colorful career has been one given to whims, so it would hardly be a surprise if he reverses the decision down the road. A dichotomy in shoulder pads, Williams' bruising, take-no-prisoners running style was offset by a softer, soul-searching side rarely seen among high-profile NFL stars. If this is truly the end, Williams finishes with 10,009 rushing yards, 2,606 receiving yards, 74 TDs, and a first-team All-Pro nod in 2002

He will remain one of my favorite Phins, even after all the tumult he caused here at times. He was a unique figure in a sport of jocks. His public battle with social anxiety disorder and his quest to find himself helped many people, including myself, overcome their own issues. It was a privilege to watch his growth as a person over the years. Plus, he gave us a ton of memorable runs! Damn, the dude was a beast in his prime. I still haven't enjoyed a season as much as watching him run in 2002.

Interesting. On January 30th, he told Ravens.com that he planned to return...

"My body feels good and I know I’m going to train hard and so I’m excited about next year," said Williams, who turns 35 in May. "... I'm not so surprised I've played this long, but I am surprised at how good I feel." The Ravens will eventually need to begin thinking about a better long-term No. 2 back behind Ray Rice, but Williams can hold down the fort for one more season.

Who knows with Ricky... He is a guy who lives in the moment. In that moment, he probably felt up to it. And after further consideration, he would rather proceed to the next stage of his life.

I suppose its possible he failed another drug test, but even so, it was probably time for him to retire. Its good that he was able to make it through his NFL career without ending up like Earl Campbell. He was on that path with Wanny.